Increase in foreign qualifications recognised in Sweden

In 2017, approximately 25,000 people applied for an evaluation of their foreign qualifications by the Swedish Council for Higher Education (UHR), an increase of 5.9% compared to 2016. Of those who applied, 19,000 had their qualifications recognised, providing them with the opportunity to find employment or continue their studies.

"Sweden receives a big boost in both professional and educational skills through people who come from other countries. UHR's work with recognising their qualifications is central to the utilisation of these skills in the Swedish job market" said Lars Petersson, head of department at UHR.

UHR evaluates upper secondary qualifications, post-secondary non-tertiary vocational education and training, and university qualifications from other countries. The evaluation indicates what the qualification is equal to in the Swedish education system. The recognition certificate can be used by those who plan on continuing their studies or looking for employment in Sweden.

Syria remains at the top

During 2017, the number of recognition statements that UHR issued increased with 21.2% compared with 2016. As with the previous year, Syria was number one in terms of total applications and recognition statements, followed by Iran and Iraq.

Engineering, architecture, law and social work are some of the more common higher education qualifications presented for evaluation. The majority of recognition statements are awarded for general Bachelor's and Master's (both 1 and 2 years) degrees, where economics and language are the most common subjects.

"It's important to remember that everyone who receives a recognition statement from UHR has a completed degree. Many also have work experience. In the majority of these cases, labour market contacts are more important than restudying the degree programme" said Lars Petersson.